Tarpon
Tarpon Fishing in Florida
The silver king, migrating along Florida, the Gulf, and the Southeast in spring and summer. Tarpon leap like nothing else and are almost always released.
Best Months: Apr to Jul
Plan by Month
Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Tarpon
Nothing specific listed for October. Try a neighboring month.
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Rod & Reel
Tarpon Setup
Tarpon
Fly 9 ft 11 or 12 wt rod, floating or intermediate tarpon line, 60 to 80 lb shock tippet.
Spin / Cast 7.5 ft heavy spinning rod, 6000 to 8000 reel, 50 lb braid with an 80 lb leader.
Florida
Where to Catch Tarpon
Saltwater & Coast · Florida
Biscayne Bay
Flats and mangrove shorelines from Miami to Key Biscayne. Bonefish, permit, and juvenile tarpon.
Bonefish · Tarpon · Spotted seatrout
Saltwater & Coast · Florida
Charlotte Harbor
A huge estuary including Boca Grande Pass, the epicenter of Florida tarpon fishing.
Tarpon · Snook · Redfish
Saltwater & Coast · Florida
Florida Keys
Flats for bonefish, permit, and tarpon; reef and offshore for snapper, grouper, and mahi.
Tarpon · Bonefish · Permit
Saltwater & Coast · Florida
Ten Thousand Islands
A maze of mangrove islands from Everglades City to Chokoloskee with snook, juvenile tarpon, and reds.
Snook · Tarpon · Redfish
Florida
Shops to Stock Up
Recommended
Gear for Tarpon
Fly Lines
RIO Tarpon Fly Line
A tropical line that stays stiff in heat for long casts to rolling tarpon.
Check PriceFly Rods
Orvis Clearwater 9 ft 10 wt Fly Rod
Backbone for big flies, heavy wind, and fish that run into the backing.
Check PriceSunglasses
Costa Polarized Fishing Sunglasses
Polarized lenses cut glare so you can see fish, structure, and flats.
Check PriceTerminal Tackle
Gamakatsu Circle Hooks
Circle hooks set themselves in the corner of the mouth and make release easy.
Check PriceLeaders & Tippet
Seaguar Tarpon Leader Material
Heavy fluorocarbon shock leader that survives tarpon jaws and gill plates.
Check Price